Fighters of New York: Mia Inzirillo

As high school graduation season sneaks up on seniors, most have already chosen their future colleges when severe cases of senioritis begin to set in. While many students are winding down their high school careers, our subject in this edition of Fighters of New York, seventeen-year-old Farmingdale High School student, Mia Inzirillo of  is just getting started. Mia is an amateur Kickboxer out of Bellmore Kickboxing MMA, with a record of 6-0-1. Inzirillo has been training about two and half years now,and is coached by Matt Berman and Jaqs Hughes.

Mia and Coach Matt Berman

Mia and Coach Jaqs

Originally Inzirillo’s father began taking her older brother to Bellmore Kickboxing to train with Matt, and she would tag along. “I would watch them train and it intrigued me. I asked my Dad a few times if I could train, he always said no. But when I turned 15 he said yes; it was a Christmas present!”
For Inzirillo competing has been a way of life. “Ever since I was little I’ve had to push myself. Before I started fighting I was competitive gymnast for eight years.” She started gymnastics at the age of four and competed until she was twelve. “My high school didn’t have gymnastics, but I also just didn’t love it anymore. When I stopped I lost that challenge, but I found it again when I started fighting.”

Inzirillo, being a teenager, has had to make sacrifices to keep up with her sport. As a competitive athlete, she follows strict diets and training schedules. “It’s been hard with high school. I have to miss a lot of parties and eating bad food. My friends don’t really understand it that much, but they are always supportive of me!” Even though she may occasionally feel the weight of high school pressures, Inzirillo has no intention of stopping anytime soon. “I just love the whole challenge of it, because you really have to be dedicated and make sacrifices. I love a setting a goal for myself and reaching it.”
Coming off of a win by majority decision from her last fight in February, against Yulia Guseva, Inzirillo is preparing for her next fight. She will be fighting Katie Parker on June 24th at TopKick Superfights, at the Upsky Hotel in Hauppauge. This will be a rematch for Inzerillo and Parker, as their last fight in November came to a draw. Inzirillo is currently in the middle of her fight camp, and is excited for her upcoming fight. “I’m sparring a lot more, dieting, and more strength and conditioning work outs.”

Being only 17 years old she has had the chance to train with older fighters who have a little more knowledge to offer. “I look up to Jennie Nedell [26-4-1], one of my main sparring partners and best friends. She prepares me for a fight mentally and physically. She’s an experienced fighter so she teaches me what she’s learned over the years.” She also admires her coach, Jaqs Huges who is an undefeated amateur kickboxing and boxing champion, “Jaqs has put so much time into training me. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for her. I’m so grateful!”
Inzirillo, who is always up for a challenge, will be attending SUNY Farmingdale next year and entering their very competitive nursing program. Even though she has no plans on slowing down anytime soon, she isn’t sure she wants to go pro yet. “I just want to continue what I’m doing and improving each fight. I want to keep challenging myself.” Whether she is in the ring or continuing her education, her “fighter mentality” is embedded in her being. “I’ve definitely learned to be dedicated and committed. You have to make a lot of sacrifices to achieve a long term goal!”

Writer: Tracie Newman

Editor: KyleAntonelli

Photos: Matt Culley